Press Release

ALLEY CAT ALLIES RECEIVES NEW ZEALAND COMPANION ANIMAL COUNCIL’S AWARD FOR SERVICE TO ANIMALSOrganization recognized for its inspiring work that helps animals “in a spectacular way”

BETHESDA, MD—Alley Cat Allies was presented this month with the New Zealand Companion Animal Council’s Assisi award in recognition of its outstanding service to animals. This is the first time that the award has been presented to an organization, instead of an individual.

“Thanks to the Companion Animal Council for the Assisi award—and for being a friend of the cats,” said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. “There is a deep need in New Zealand right now for better education and understanding about community cats and about Trap-Neuter-Return, the only effective and humane approach to community cats. These beautiful animals have shared our neighborhoods for hundreds of years and they should be allowed to remain in their outdoor homes.”

Bob Kerridge, patron of the New Zealand Companion Animal Council, said that Alley Cat Allies was being recognized for contributing “to the welfare of animals in a spectacular way.”

“Alley Cat Allies…has shown the world that [community] cats can live happy and fulfilled lives through love and care,” said Kerridge who presented the award. “In New Zealand we endeavor to emulate this wonderful work, and are inspired by the organization that paved the way.”

The award was received by William Gomaa, Alley Cat Allies’ lead attorney, who also made a presentation at the council’s annual conference in Auckland about Trap-Neuter-Return and its benefits for feral or community cats. There has in recent months been a campaign against community cats in New Zealand.

Gomaa said that in the United States there has been growing acceptance of TNR—where cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, then returned to their original colony homes—as the most effective and humane approach for community cats.

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About Alley Cat AlliesAlley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.